Frequency of cataract surgery and its impact on visual function-results from the German Gutenberg Health Study

Purpose To determine the frequency of cataract surgery in Germany and to evaluate its impact on visual function in an adult population. Methods The population-based Gutenberg Health Study was conducted in Germany with its baseline examination between 2007 and 2012 and a 5-year follow-up examiantion. An ophthalmological examination including slit-lamp examination, ocular biometry, and Scheimpflug imaging was carried out. Overall and age-specific frequencies of unilateral and bilateral cataract surgery within 5 years were computed including the 95% confidential intervals [95%-CI]. Association analyses were conducted to determine social and ocular associated factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Vision-related quality of life was assessed using NEI VFQ-25. Results A total of 10,544 people aged 35 to 74 years were bilateral phakic at baseline and had information on lens status at the 5-year examination. Of these, 168 had unilateral cataract surgery (1.6% [1.4-1.9%]), and 448 had bilateral cataract surgery (4.2% [3.9-4.7%]) in the following 5 years. The frequency of cataract surgery increased with age: 45-54-year-old subjects had twice as often cataract surgery (in at least on eye: OR = 2.32) than at age 35-44 years. The frequency further strongly increases with age (55-64 years: OR = 10.5; 65-74 years: OR = 43.8, p < 0.001). Subjects with glaucoma were more likely to have cataract surgery (OR = 2.52, p < 0.001). Visual function increased when undergoing bilateral cataract surgery. Conclusions The frequency of cataract surgery is low at younger ages and increases up to 26% at age 70-74 years. Persons with glaucoma are more likely to undergo cataract surgery at population-based level in Germany.